Ephraim Smith was not from Boston, but as a mariner, was in the port city at the time of the Boston Tea Party.
Reportedly, Smith joined in the “destruction of the tea” on December 16, 1773, on impulse. The evidence supporting his participation notes that he often told stories about a man who was caught stealing tea by other co-patriots. This story may refer to Charles Connor, who was caught stealing tea by fellow Boston Tea Party participant George Robert Twelves Hewes. This would put Smith on the brig Beaver that night.
Smith served in the coastal defence around Cape Cod, Massachusetts, during the Revolutionary War.
Ephraim Smith died on January 13, 1835, in Gorham, Maine and is buried on private property.
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